david bithell
experimental music theater
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the traveler  (2008)
kinetic sound sculpture
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videos
Description: "We have Chinese acrobats. I think that the cat-seller will be around before lunch. We have an elephant that falls downhill. We have some flying machines, although they're somewhat primitive. We have Chicken Chow Mein. And we have a pirate." - Donald Barthelme from his children's book "The Slightly Irregular Fire Engine"

The Traveler is an interactive kinetic sound sculpture. Controlled via an Arduino microcontroller, an ultrasonic range finder reacts to the proximity of an observer, first enticing them closer by opening the suitcase to reveal its mysterious inner workings. Then, when they get too close, the suitcase falls closed, not wanting to tell all. Inside a gearhead motor rotates a metal disk causing "the traveler" (a small toy elephant) to keep on his journey. Solenoids hidden beneath the disk punctuate his path with pitches and timbres that vary with the rotation of the metal.
Showings: 
  • Centerpieces - University of North Texas - Center for Experimental Music and Intermedia - February 25, 2008
  • 2008 SPARK Festival of Electronic Music and Art - Regis Art Center - Minneapolis, MN - February 20-24, 2008
  • University of North Texas - Physical Computing Showcase - Denton, TX - November 20, 2008 (preview)
Technical Notes:  The sculpture is designed to be "plug and play".  Needed for display are: (1) pedestal, (1) overhead spotlight, (1) AC wall outlet.  The sculpture works best with a head-on approach, as such it tends to work best at the end of corridors or in the corner of a room.
Duration: continuous